I don't like paying the full retail price for most things. That's because I know most products are marked up -- sometimes quite a bit. So I wait for things to go on sale, I shop at consignement stores and occasionally I even haggle to get a lower price. If you're of the same mindset and don't like paying a premium for products, check out this recent post on the Mint.com blog: 20 Products With Giant Markups. You'll see which consumer goods are sold for a lot more than they cost to produce and ways to avoid the markup on these items.
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And here's a roundup of more great consumer-related advice from around the Web:
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25 Things You Shouldn't Buy at the Grocery Store [Wise Bread]
"With some planning and the strength to avoid last-minute shopping for things you forgot, you can save money by buying these 25 things elsewhere."
10 Ways to Save at the Farmer's Market [SavingAdvice.com]
"If you’re not careful, you can end up spending a lot of money, but there are some simple tricks to help keep the costs down."
9 Ways to Save Money on Amazon [Savvy Sugar]
"To make the most of your Amazon shopping experience, follow these tips."
Surprise! Could Eco-Friendly Clothing Actually Be Cheaper? [LearnVest]
"Shoppers often buy from mainstream brands because they think that authentic socially responsible alternatives are more expensive."
Lifestyle Inflation -- What to Consider Before Telling Yourself Yes [Sweating the Big Stuff]
"While living below your means can feel restrictive, blowing your hard earned cash on things you don’t need can be just as painful. That’s why I’ve come up with five questions to ask yourself before making the upgrade."
The Giant Christmas List: Curbing Impulses [The Simple Dollar]
"I’ve learned that it’s far better to occasionally enjoy a splurge than it is to constantly splurge."
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Stock Market Today: Dow Adds 654 Points as 3M Stock Explodes HigherIt was a risk-on day for stocks thanks to an upbeat inflation reading and impressive earnings from 3M and Deckers.
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3M Leads Dow Stocks After Massive Earnings Beat3M stock is headed toward its best day ever after the industrial conglomerate's impressive earnings report. Here's what you need to know.
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5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
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How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
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How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
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Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
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How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
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Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
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21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
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How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
